Investigation into officers allegedly engaging in conversation of a misogynistic and ableist nature – Civil Nuclear Constabulary, September 2022

An anonymous report submitted through a whistleblowing site in September 2022 alleged that Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) officers had made offensive and misogynistic comments about a fellow officer, and ableist remarks about people with disabilities. There was insufficient evidence at the time to support the allegations. 

An audio recording was later provided by the anonymous informant that appeared to support the original report. Officers were identified from these recordings by another officer. 

We decided to independently investigate the conduct of the officers in June 2023. We looked at what evidence there was that this conversation took place in a communal place between on-duty officers, whether the comments were discriminatory and/or derogatory, and whether officers failed to challenge and/or report the comments made during or after the conversation. We also investigated whether the officers acted honestly and with integrity during our investigation. 

We interviewed each of the officers. They exercised their right to remain silent during these interviews. 

During the investigation, there was insufficient evidence that any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. 

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 

We did not identify any organisational learning in this case.